Lessons from my Father

This summer I have had the privelege of spending a lot of time with my parents.  More time than any since the year I lived with them after college.  My Dad, ever the teacher has taught me a few things over the past few months and I thought I'd share them with you.

1. Mirrors are there for a reason.  Use them

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. ALWAYS bring a container on your walks.  You never know when you might find more blackberries

  

3. You have to get up pretty early in the morning if you want to do the Sudoku around here.

Blackberries

One of the real joys of living in Washington in September is all the blackberries. They literally grow like weeds out here.  Mom and Dad have a ton of blackberry bushes in their back yard and they keep on producing.  Berries of all kinds are not on Dad's approved list of foods because of the seeds, but he's been busy keeping Mom and me well supplied, and I've been out picking some too.  Yesterday, I decided to try a bon apetit recipe for blackberry buttermilk cake.  I think it turned out quite nicely.

Heading home

It's official, Dad is being discharged today. Soft solids have been going quite well, and the strictest of the sternum regulations (no hands behind his back, don't lift elbows above the shoulder) have been lifted. There's quite a bit of paperwork and stuff, but as soon as the nurses are able to do those final discharge things. He's feeling and looking good. And looking forward to resting at home.

Food!!!

OK, "food" is a stretch, but the NG tube is out, and Dad has been OK'd to swallow.  Trying some apple juice and possibly some broth this afternoon.  Taking it nice and slow, but so far it seems to be going ok.  He's been waiting for this and teasing every new nurse that comes on about some coffee or supper, so we're all enjoying being able to order something from a menu. 

Monday again

It's been a week since surgery, and the NG tube is coming out today!  Dad had an examination early this morning and they decided to proceed with removing the NG tube today and then observing him closely and possibly coming home tomorrow!  Mom and I are going up to Seattle later this morning to see what's up, but things are likely to be moving quickly once that tube comes out.  Will update more as I know it.

Day 3

Day 3 and still going strong. Dad seems a bit more alert today, staying awake a bit longer at a time, going 7 and 8 laps on his walks.  In fact, his nurse told him he needs to cut back on the number of laps he does since he's really not getting many calories in via his feeding tube. Definitely not what he wanted to hear, but kinda funny for Mom and me to hear.  They are in the process of removing his neck and chest "tubes" (drains) right now. (down to 5 for those of you counting at home) I chose this time to step out since I don't do real well with blood or tubes or anything like that. They'll be taking him for a chest x-ray later this evening to make sure there aren't any air pockets or other issues with the removal of these drains. The plan is to "cap" his epidural tomorrow and try controlling his pain via meds through the NG tube. That may slow him down a bit, but not if he has any control over it :-)

Day 2

A beautiful sunny day in Seattle today. Dad's feeling pretty good. He doesn't have much of a voice today due to the NG tube, and perhaps a bit of the dehydration of yesterday, but he's raring to get up and move. Waiting for his 4th walk of the day (it's only 10:30 here now). He told us that he did 3 laps then 4 laps then 5 laps. To put this into a bit of perspective, we are only 40 hours post-op and each new nurse or doc that  comes in mentions that he should maybe try to walk a bit around the room soon.  I think he likes the shock on their face when he tells them he's ready to go for his 4th round. I really need to get him a pedometer to help him keep track. Some talk about maybe removing one of the drains today, but not sure quite what that means. He's a bit uncomfortable sitting in bed or the chair, which is another reason why he likes to go on walks, to get a new position and just "out" of the same room.